Geographic Information Systems Certificate
There is a nonrefundable application fee of $50 to declare candidacy in this program.
Learn more about the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate program.
Professional Certificate in Geographic Information Systems
Effective Fall 2013, the Certificate will require 18 units of required coursework and 6 units of electives. Apply for certificate candidacy before Aug. 1 to complete under the current version. Candidacy fees paid after Aug. 1 will apply to the new version. Call Jennifer Campbell, GIS Program Coordinator, at 951-827-1620 if you have any questions.
UCR Extension's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Certificate Program provides you with the most innovative and practical GIS education available, whether you are involved in building and implementing information systems or seeking the skills to launch a career in the GIS field.
Participants in the program will:
- Learn concepts and applications of GIS technology.
- Obtain hands-on experience using the latest GIS software.
- Use geospatial technology to develop solutions to issues facing communities and industry.
- Explore interdisciplinary elements of GIS including cartography, topology, database design and spatial analysis.
- Understand how GIS is used within health care, public works, natural and historical resources, environmental management and other fields.
The instructors are pioneers in the field of GIS, bringing an incredible 140 years of GIS experience to the classroom. They work in government, private corporations and provide real-world expertise.
Who Can Benefit?
This program is designed for people who wish to enter the field of GIS or to sharpen current GIS skills. It is also appropriate for current GIS users who want to validate their expertise with a certificate.
Read a student success story.
Course Schedule
| Required Courses (12 units) | Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical Approaches for Implementing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | 3.0 |  | | ||
| Introduction to Spatial Analysis | 3.0 | | |||
| GIS Applications Lab | 3.0 | | | ||
| GIS Database Design | 3.0 | | | ||
| Elective Courses (12 units) | Units | Fall | Winter | Spring | Summer |
| Principles of Web GIS Applications | 3.0 | | | ||
| Cartographic Design | 3.0 | | | ||
| GIS Data Capture Using GPS Technology | 3.0 | | |||
| Remote Sensing: Space Imagery and Processing | 3.0 | | |||
| GIS in Land Use Planning | 1.5 | | |||
| Using GIS in Crime Analysis | 1.5 | | |||
| Introduction to Photogrammetry | 1.5 | | |||
| Learning ArcGIS Spatial Analyst 9: A Self-paced Online Course # | 1.5 CEU | | | | |
| Geoprocessing with ArcGIS: A Self-paced Online Course # | 1.5 | | | | |
| Learning ArcGIS 3D Analyst: A Self-Paced Online Course # | 2.1 CEU | | | | |
| Creating, Editing and Managing Geodatabases for ArcGIS Desktop: A Self-Paced Online Course # | 1.2 CEU | | | | |
| Understanding Map Projections and Coordinate Systems: A Self-Paced Online Course # | 1.8 CEU | | | | |
| # | Online GIS technology course |
Completion Information
Completion Requirements
To earn the certificate, students must successfully complete (grade C or better) a total of 24 units: four required courses (12 units) and 12 elective units. A maximum of 6 CEUs from online GIS software courses may be applied toward the elective requirement. The certificate must be completed within five years from the completion of the first course.
You may take courses in any order, however it is highly recommended that you begin with Practical Approaches for Implementing GIS and end with GIS Applications Lab.
Online technology courses require a PC with Internet access and appropriate software.
Completion Time
The program can typically be completed within 12 months. However, you can choose to participate in the GIS Summer Academy which lets you earn the certificate in one summer.
Cost
The cost for the program, including textbooks and parking, is approximately $4,600.
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with Microsoft Windows.
- Successful completion of one of the following:
- Introduction to ArcGIS
- Learning ArcGIS Desktop: A Self-paced Online Course
- Equivalent course from accredited college or university (official transcripts required)
- Consent of program coordinator
Transfer Credit
Equivalent courses from other accredited colleges and universities completed within the last five years will be considered for transfer, up to a total of six units. Official transcripts are required.
Instructors & Administrators
Instructors
- Colin Childs, B.A., Esri, Redlands
- Thomas R. Corrigan, M.P.A., Public Utilities Department, city of Riverside
- Brooke Reams, Geospatial Analyst, Esri
- Pinde Fu, Ph.D. Esri, Redlands
- David Jacobus, B.S., GIS Analyst, RBF Consulting, Irvine
- John Yaist, M.A., Technology Lead, Esri Developer Network, Redlands
- Doug Mende, M.B.A., Principal, Mende Consulting, Inc., Redlands
- Makram A. Murad-Al-Shaikh, M.S., Senior Instructor, Esri, Redlands
- Francelina A. Neto, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Cal Poly Pomona, Pomona
- Solomon N. Nimako, M.Sc. GIS, GIS/Analyst, city of Rancho Cucamonga
- Lisa A. Pierce, M.A., Cogstone Paleontology, Archaeology and History, Redlands
- Michael Fene, Contractor, Implementation Lead for the Common Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Sensor Interface, Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense, San Diego
- Patty K. Spurlock, M.A., Human Resources Generalist/Recruiter, Esri, Redlands
- John Bonnett, GIS Coordinator, Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach
Instructor Opportunities
Interested in becoming an instructor at UCR Extension? Find out how.
Additional Information
Textbook Information
If a textbook is required, information is provided in the course listing when scheduled, on the confirmation you receive after enrolling, or by e-mail for an online class.
GIS Internship
Earn 1.5 units toward GIS Certificate Program requirements by participating in a GIS field study/internship of at least 60 hours or more. For more information, call (951) 827- 5804 or e-mail sciences@ucx.ucr.edu.
Master's Degree
Students who earn the Geographic Information Systems Certificate can apply credit toward a specialized M.B.A. at La Sierra University. To learn more, call La Sierra University at (951) 785-2064.
Delivery Method
Most classes are offered in a traditional classroom setting on weeknights and weekends. Up to 6.0 units may earned by completing online GIS software classes.
Contact Information
Jennifer Campbell
(951) 827-5804
sciences@ucx.ucr.edu
Summer Academy
GIS Summer Academy
Earn the GIS Summer Certificate in one summer. This intensive format is particularly attractive to people who live some distance from UCR Extension and to those who have the summer open for continuing education.
Learn more about the Geographic Information Systems Summer Academy.
